Finding My Voice...

Navigating life as a neurodivergent individual often means standing at a crossroads where personal truths clash with traditional authority. In recent years, I found myself alone in the arena, advocating for my well-being in the midst of crises that seemed to overshadow my voice. The challenge was more profound than anything I had been taught; it was about survival, about asserting my existence in a system that often overlooks the individual in distress.

I recall the sharp sting of not being heard; paramedics and authorities speaking over me as though I was invisible during my most vulnerable moments. It was a stark reminder that the system, which is supposed to protect and serve, sometimes does neither. Advocating for oneself against such a backdrop is not just about making a stand; it's a testament to one's humanity in the face of impersonal procedures and protocols.

Learning to speak up, particularly against deep-rooted authority, has never been simple or straightforward. It's a skill wrought from necessity, born from instances where silence equates to erasure. I've come to realize that advocating for oneself is a dynamic act of courage. It's about valuing your experience and perspective enough to confront the status quo, to demand the respect and care you deserve.

The path to self-advocacy has been lonely at times. Following a situation that led to the signing of a nondisclosure agreement, I found myself stripped of support—colleagues, allies, witnesses—all vanished. Yet, it is this very isolation that has fueled my determination to connect with others who understand the nuances of neurodiversity.

This blog is more than a platform; it's a space where I, and hopefully many others, can share the often untold experiences of neurodivergent lives. My aim is to reach out to like-minded souls, to form support networks, and to seek professionals who not only advocate for us but empower us to advocate for ourselves.

To those reading this: know that your voice is potent and deserving of an audience. Regardless of where you come from or how old you are, your experiences are legitimate, and your needs are important. Speak up for yourself, for in doing so, you challenge outdated norms and pave the way for progress.

When I decided to start this blog, I made a promise to myself: this space would be an unfiltered reflection of my thoughts, my experiences, and my personal journey. No assumptions, no generalizations—just my story, raw and real. This isn’t about speaking on behalf of anyone else or fitting into a neatly packaged narrative. It’s about me, laying everything bare, as though I’m opening up the pages of my private diary and letting the words spill out.

My journey has been filled with unexpected twists and turns, but each has taught me something valuable. Embracing my neurodivergent mind has allowed me to see the world differently and appreciate the unique path I’m on. It’s not always easy, but it’s never boring, either.

For those who, like me, came to recognize their neurodivergence later in life, I’ve come to understand that these challenges don’t define worth. The neurotypical world is just one setup; it’s not the universal standard by which everyone should be judged. I’m not a faulty neurotypical person; I’m a complete neurodivergent individual, with a unique and valuable set of experiences.

And that’s something I’m learning to embrace.